You mentioned taking your boat fishing. That'll tear up a good looking strip-built boat in no time, besides crusty old salts aren't easily impressed with a fishing coffee table. Try modifying a boat that professes to be a stable fishing platform to begin with... the CLC Mill Creek. Just pick the one of the three that would suit you, your gear, and fishing style. Reduce the amount of deck on the bow, drop a "tank well" behind you, and beef up the support in the area of your foot bracing. If you build a raised floor, then you can place scuppers to drain water that comes in over the bow. Of course you would be raising your center of gravity and change the orignal balanced concept of the boat. Install multiple 1/2 width foot bracing stops like the Scupper-Pro by Ocean Kayak and you'll be set to go. I would suggest designing a minimum amount of line catching angles and accessories other wise you might be all *#@holes and elbows when you tie into a big one. Let us know what you decide. Chris